Chapter 37: The Things You Do For family 3 (2/2)

She had lost interest in drinking the tea, which thanks to Su Liya had gotten bitter. She stood to wash her face, she wiped her face with a soft towel when she was done. ”Did you notice how long second brother looked at that wench, it would seem that I underestimated her”.

”Should we inform Big Madam of this?” Zhiliu asked slowly.

”No! we can't get mother involved in this. I will handle this, she hasn't done anything, for now just have someone watch her closely”

”Yes”.

when there wasn't any interaction between her elder brother and Su Liya for weeks, she loosened up her guard on the sneaky maid. After months of rain, they were gradually entering into Summer. It rained less often and the sun was hotter.

The change in season was well received, everyone switched their thicker spring clothes for much lighter summer wears. cooling boxes filled with ice was delivered to all courtyards and the young ladies put on much brighter colours.

Madam Lu opened up the storeroom and picked out a few rolls of material to be sewn into gowns for the three ladies of the house. The servants weren't exempted from the gifts, a new set of light unforms were given to each servant.

It got hotter as the days went by, Zhu Fengyin began taking cold beverages to cool off and avoid getting a heat stroke. The court session got shorter as the Emperor got ready for his annual few weeks summer break.

Shorter Court sessions equalled a longer stay at home for the Duke and General Lu. The start of Summer also meant the start of various festivities and banquets for the noble families. Everyone was curious about the newly married Duchess of Wu.

The invitations came in mass every day, Zhu Fengyin accepted a few invitations but not before discussing with Lu Yingjie and Madam Lu. There were a few palace banquets scheduled throughout the summer.

Two days to the first royal banquet hosted by the Emperor and Empress to welcome the crown prince of Chu State Gao Zhan and the royal Envoy. The peace and quietness of the Duke of Wu's residence were disrupted.

During a hot summer afternoon, Zhu Fengyin laid back on a recliner at the balcony of the main courtyard. She was dressed in light clothes, her hair packed up loosely, while Su Liya peeled some fruits next to her.

As Su Liya arranged the oranges and apple pieces on the plates, A scream was heard as a maid was dragged away. Su Liya and Zhu Fengyin walked out of the main courtyard to find out what was causing all the noise.

They walked a short distance to Madam Lu's courtyard, they watched as a crying maid was dragged to a long wooden long bench. the maid wailed pulling away as they laid her on the bench. ”Big Madam, I was wrong please forgive me! Please save me! Big Madam please have mercy”, the maid cried out her face bright red as tears ran down her face.

Madam Lu who was seated in the hallway don't spare her any glace as she instructed the servants ”Tie her up and give her 100 plank strokes, don't stop until she dies”.

Su Liya got pale as soon as she heard that, she couldn't understand how a person could play with a person's life like this. Madam Lu looked cold and unfeeling, she looked at the girl like she wasn't a human being.

Su Liya grabbed Zhu Fengyin's sleeve tightly, Zhu Fengyin looked from the hands holding her sleeves to the pale face by her side and pursed her lips. ”Let's go”, she said and turned around but we're soon blocked off by Lu Yiling.

Lu Yiling looked straight at Su Liya and said ”Hold on sister-in-law”